Urban catalyst. The Power of Temporary Use

In many cities, urban wastelands and ­vacant structures suddenly metamorphose into exuberant places. After the ­real ­estate market failed in their initial ­attempts to develop these, the sites ­instead became the setting for art galleries, migrant economies, informal markets and nightlife outlets. It is ­often these abandoned loca­tions that can boast ­innovative cul­tural expression and a ­vibrant public sphere. Over the course of several years, the ­Urban Catalyst ­research team explored these temporary uses in ­European cities such as Amsterdam, ­Berlin, London and Rome.